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DJing was never just digital.
Tangible media is so back. From Gen Z to boomers, analog is having a moment—and for many local DJs, it never lost its appeal, even up against digital’s instant everything. And across Oak City, locales and lineups are keeping it classic—spinning vinyl for the vibe.
“It seems younger people are finding more of an appreciation for the tangible media format,” affirms Ryan McGuire, founder of Oak City Soul. With needle drops and local love, the vinyl DJ launched the collective to champion both vinyl’s legacy and the city one offbeat venue at a time, he says. Skipping the usual bars and clubs, McGuire tracks out parties, patios and even parks to spin his sets.
Case in point: local DJ Mike Forno’s alfresco jam seshes playing out across the likes of Skate Raleigh events and Heights House—even Gipson Play Plaza’s grand opening. “While others may see it as a resurgence or trend, I just see it as DJing,” says the mix master, who cut his teeth during vinyl’s heyday in ’88. But even as digital took hold, Forno stuck to his analog roots.
What some see as retro music’s chief flaw—hauling heavy crates of records instead of tapping a digital playlist—doesn’t faze many vinyl DJs. “At the end of the day, you’re trying to put people on new music and have your own sound,” emphasizes Forno. Between personal style and what’s in your crate, it’s never limited. “Plus, when listeners request a song, it’s an easy yes or no.”
So, while vinyl spins seem to be on the rise—in reality, they never scratched. Time to lend an ear to sonic bliss. @oakcitysoul
High-Fidelity Hot Spots
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